Preview: UFC on ESPN 29 Prelims

Lightweights

NR | Roosevelt Roberts (10-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. NR | Ignacio Bahamondes (11-4, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Roberts (-145), Bahamondes (+125)

Roberts suddenly finds himself in a must-win situation after a rough 2020 campaign. Roberts was rightfully considered a top lightweight prospect during his rise through the ranks, as “The Predator” was consistently able to leverage his reedy frame into any manner of choke or submission while attempting to outwrestle his opponent. Vinc Pichel proved to be too stout of a veteran test in mid-2019, but Roberts rebounded with two straight wins and looked ready to march right back up the ladder. However, a big spot opposite Jim Miller went about as poorly as possible, with the lightweight mainstay quickly tapping Roberts with an armbar in the first round. Then disaster struck, as late-notice replacement Kevin Croom managed to clip and submit Roberts in just 31 seconds. The talent is still there, but Roberts now faces questions about his physicality and durability possibly holding him back. Bahamondes’ style is a pretty straightforward proposition. The Chilean is even larger for the division than Roberts and looks to drown his opponents in pace and offense on the feet. It was effective to a point on the regional scene, but it is a bit worrying that Bahamondes does not have a signature win on his resume. While his UFC debut resulted in an absolute barnburner against John Makdessi, it is concerning that Bahamondes was not able to turn his sizeable physical advantages in that fight into a win. He could still overwhelm Roberts, but assuming that the Dana White’s Contender Series graduate is more prepared than he was against a last-minute replacement in Croom, he figures to get a lot done in grappling exchanges, particularly since Bahamondes has been submitted multiple times in the past. The pick is Roberts via first-round submission.

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